A functional screening identifies five microRNAs controlling glypican-3: role of miR-1271 down-regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma

GPC-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma; A novel biomarker and molecular target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health issue due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. The early detection and diagnosis of HCC with specific and sensitive biomarkers and using novel treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes are essential. Glypican-3 (GPC-3) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is overexpressed in many tumors, including HCC. GPC-3 could be used as a specific biomarker for HCC early detection and could be a potential target for precise therapeutic strategies. Effective identification of GPC-3 could improve both diagnosis and targeted therapy of HCC. Moreover, targeted therapy using GPC-3 could result in a better treatment outcome. Recently, GPC3-targeted therapies have been used in different investigational therapeutic approaches like bi-specific/monoclonal antibodies, peptide vaccines, and CAR T cell therapies. This study aims to highlight the theranostic potential of GPC-3 as a novel biomarker for early detection and as a potential molecular target for HCC treatment as well.

Glypican-3 is a key tuner of the Hedgehog pathway in COPD

Hedgehog (HH) pathway is involved in pulmonary development and lung homeostasis. It orchestrates airway epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation and contributes to respiratory pathogenesis. The core elements Gli2, Smo, and Shh were found altered in the bronchial epithelium of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we investigated the co-receptors to fully decipher the complex machinery of airway HH pathway activation in health and COPD. The core elements and co-receptors of HH signalling were investigated in lung cell populations using single-cell RNAseq analysis. The transcript levels of the principal co-receptor GPC3 were investigated on public RNAseq datasets and by RT-qPCR. The localisation of GPC3 was evaluated through immunofluorescent stainings on isolated bronchial AEC and tissues from non-COPD and COPD patients. GPC3 pharmacological modulation was achieved with Codrituzumab during AEC differentiation. We demonstrated that the core elements were not abundant in pulmonary cell populations. Focusing on co-receptors, GPC3 was the most expressed transcript in tracheobronchial epithelial cells. The decrease in GPC3 transcript levels correlated with the severity of airway obstrution in COPD patients. Finally, interfering with GPC3 signalling during AEC differentiation induced downregulation of the HH pathway attested by a decrease of Gli2 leading to reduced ciliogenesis and altered mucin production. GPC3 appears as a crucial co-receptor for the HH pathway in the respiratory context. The modulation of GPC3 may represent a novel experimental strategy to tune HH signalling in therapeutic perspectives.

Noncoding RNA-mediated molecular bases of chemotherapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Despite the significant progress in decreasing the occurrence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains a public health issue worldwide on the basis of its late presentation and tumor recurrence. To date, apart from surgical interventions, such as surgical resection, liver transplantation and locoregional ablation, current standard antitumor protocols include conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, due to the high chemoresistance nature, most current therapeutic agents show dismal outcomes for this refractory malignancy, leading to disease relapse. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in chemotherapy resistance remain systematically ambiguous. Herein, HCC is hierarchically characterized by the formation of primitive cancer stem cells (CSCs), progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), unbalanced autophagy, delivery of extracellular vesicles (EVs), escape of immune surveillance, disruption of ferroptosis, alteration of the tumor microenvironment and multidrug resistance-related signaling pathways that mediate the multiplicity and complexity of chemoresistance. Of note, anecdotal evidence has corroborated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) extensively participate in the critical physiological processes mentioned above. Therefore, understanding the detailed regulatory bases that underlie ncRNA-mediated chemoresistance is expected to yield novel insights into HCC treatment. In the present review, a comprehensive summary of the latest progress in the investigation of chemotherapy resistance concerning ncRNAs will be elucidated to promote tailored individual treatment for HCC patients.

Evaluation of tumoral glypican 3 mRNA level as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for hepatitis-b virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma by an integrative transcriptomic meta-analysis and bioinformatics

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of GPC3 mRNA level as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HBV-associated HCC. Materials and Methods: GPC3 mRNA expression in HBV-associated HCC tumor tissues compared to matched adjacent tissues was evaluated by integrative transcriptomic meta-analysis. The results were validated in a different patient cohort and the possible associations between GPC3 mRNA level and the clinical variables were evaluated. Results: Transcriptomic data of HBV-associated HCC tissues (n=61) and matched adjacent tissues (n=61) from four datasets (GSE19665;GSE84402;GSE121248;GSE55092) were included in the meta-analysis. GPC3 mRNA level was found to be higher in tumors than adjacent tissues (fold change=12.88; p= 0;FDR=0). The result was validated in GSE14520, (HBV-associated HCC(n)=203; matched adjacent tissue(n)=203), (log-fold-change= 4.82; adj.p=1.43E-79). It was found that GPC3 mRNA level could distinguish HCC from adjacent tissues with high specificity and sensitivity (AUC=0.9108;95%CI=0.08792-0.9424;p

Glypican-3: A Novel and Promising Target for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-associated proteoglycan that is specifically up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) although rarely or not expressed in normal liver tissues, making it a perfect diagnostic and treatment target for HCC. Several GPC3-based clinical trials are ongoing and recently several innovative GPC3-targeted therapeutic methods have emerged with exciting results, including GPC3 vaccine, anti-GPC3 immunotoxin, combined therapy with immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells. Here, we review the value of GPC3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, together with its signaling pathways, with a specific focus on GPC3-targeted treatments of HCC and some prospects for the future GPC3-based therapeutic strategies in HCC.

DUSP9, a Dual-Specificity Phosphatase with a Key Role in Cell Biology and Human Diseases

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are essential for proper cell functioning as they regulate many molecular effectors. Careful regulation of MAPKs is therefore required to avoid MAPK pathway dysfunctions and pathologies. The mammalian genome encodes about 200 phosphatases, many of which dephosphorylate the MAPKs and bring them back to an inactive state. In this review, we focus on the normal and pathological functions of dual-specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9)/MAP kinase phosphatases-4 (MKP-4). This cytoplasmic phosphatase, which belongs to the threonine/tyrosine dual-specific phosphatase family and was first described in 1997, is known to dephosphorylate ERK1/2, p38, JNK and ASK1, and thereby to control various MAPK pathway cascades. As a consequence, DUSP9 plays a major role in human pathologies and more specifically in cardiac dysfunction, liver metabolic syndromes, diabetes, obesity and cancer including drug response and cell stemness. Here, we recapitulate the mechanism of action of DUSP9 in the cell, its levels of regulation and its roles in the most frequent human diseases, and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target.

Molecular Mechanisms of miR-1271 Dysregulation in Human Cancer

MicroRNA is a small noncoding RNA that plays a role in regulating gene expression. miR-1271 is a tumor suppressor microRNA, which is related to the biological changes of many cancers. miR-1271 is considered a biomarker with a potential prognosis and high therapeutic value in tumors. Besides, the expression of miR-1271 is also regulated by many factors. In this study, we summarize the role of miR-1271 in tumors, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the target genes of miR-1271. Our review will provide a comprehensive understanding of miR-1271 in tumors, as well as ideas for subsequent tumor research related to miR-1271.

MicroRNA‑1271‑5p alleviates the malignant development of hepatitis B virus‑mediated liver cancer via binding to AQP5

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver-related cancer. Progress has been made on the study of microRNA (miRNA or miR) function in HBV-related liver cancer. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the role and functional mechanism of miR-1271-5p in HBV-associated liver cancer. miR-1271-5p and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression at the mRNA level were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The levels of hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA were assessed by ELISA or qPCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry or Transwell assay. The interaction of miR-1271-5p and AQP5 was predicted by TargetScan, and verified by Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The protein levels of AQP5, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were quantified by western blot analysis. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was conducted to examine the role of miR-1271-5p in vivo. miR-1271-5p was downregulated, while AQP5 was upregulated in HBV-related liver cancer cells and tissues. Overexpression of miR-1271-5p or AQP5 knockdown inhibited the levels of HBeAg, HBsAg and HBV DNA, blocked cell viability, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. AQP5 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-1271-5p, and miR-1271-5p exerted its role through targeting AQP5. Overexpression of miR-1271-5p impeded tumor growth in vivo by weakening the expression of AQP5. In conclusion, miR-1271-5p blocked the progression of HBV-induced liver cancer by competitively targeting AQP5.

MicroRNA-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances radiosensitivity by targeting CDK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

This study aims to determine whether miR-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the radiosensitivity by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its expression levels in the HCC cell lines were significantly lower than those in normal human liver cell line. Bioinformatics analysis indicated CDK1 was a potential target of miR-1271-5p. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay confirmed that CDK1 is a direct target gene of miR-1271-5p. With overexpression of miR-1271-5p in SMMC-7721 and HuH-7 cells, cell proliferation was decreased, radiosensitivity was enhanced, cell cycle distribution was altered and the growth of transplanted tumours in nude mice was significantly reduced. miR-1271-5p overexpression enhanced radiosensitivity, which could be reduced by CDK1 overexpression. Overall, our findings suggested that miR-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the radiosensitivity of HCC cell lines by targeting CDK1.

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review

Simple Summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers, and the prognosis for late-stage HCC remains poor. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC is expected to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate the expression of various target genes, including those in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers. We summarize the central roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and discuss their potential utility as valuable biomarkers and new therapeutic agents for HCC.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite substantial advances in therapeutic strategies, the prognosis of late-stage HCC remains dismal because of the high recurrence rate. A better understanding of the etiology of HCC is therefore necessary to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of their target genes at the posttranscriptional and translational levels. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has frequently been detected in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers and has been observed in both HCC cells and tissues. The precise patterns of aberrant miRNA expression differ depending on disease etiology, including various causes of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the association of miRNAs with the pathogenesis of HCC of various etiologies. In the present review, we summarize the key mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and emphasize their potential utility as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as innovative therapeutic targets, in HCC diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Impact of Circulated miR-1291 in Plasma of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis (LC) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Implication on Glypican-3 Expression

PURPOSE

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is considered to be the end stage of chronic hepatopathies which may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Glypican-3 is one of the most promising serum markers for HCC. Abnormal expression of miRNAs may participate in cancer development and progression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relation between the expression of miR-1291 and GPC3 production as a non-invasive tool to differentiate patients with LC and HCC.

METHODS

HCV patients (100) were divided into two groups; HCC (I) and LC (II). Fifty hepatitis-free subjects served as the control group (III). Expression of serum GPC3 was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and expression of circulating miR-1291 was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Serum levels of GPC3 were significantly elevated in patients with HCC compared with the LC group. Both groups have increased GPC3 levels in relation to healthy controls. Serum GPC3 levels with a cutoff value of 619.5 pg/ml had a 50% sensitivity and 89.3% specificity while alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) with a cutoff value of 8.5 ng/ml had a higher sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (100%) in the detection of HCC. The primary use of both markers improved the specificity to 100%. miR-1291 was significantly upregulated in HCC and LC patients compared with control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings might indicate that miR-1291 exert oncogenic effects in hepatic carcinogenesis through positive regulation of GPC3 expression. We propose that GPC3 overexpression and its associated oncogenic effects are linked to the upregulation of miR-1291 in HCV patients.

miRNAs expression signature potentially associated with lymphatic dissemination in locally advanced prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is one of the most common and socially significant cancers among men. The aim of our study was to reveal changes in miRNA expression profiles associated with lymphatic dissemination in prostate cancer and to identify the most prominent miRNAs as potential prognostic markers for future studies.

Methods

High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed for 44 prostate cancer specimens taken from Russian patients, with and without lymphatic dissemination (N1 – 20 samples; N0 – 24 samples).

Results

We found at least 18 microRNAs with differential expression between N0 and N1 sample groups: miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-615-3p, miR-10b, miR-1248 (N1-miRs; elevated expression in N1 cohort; p < 0.05); miR-1271-5p, miR-184, miR-222-3p, miR-221-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-455-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-181c-3p and miR-455-5p (N0-miRs; elevated expression in N0; p < 0.05). The expression levels of N1-miRs were highly correlated between each other (the same is applied for N0-miRs) and the expression levels of N0-miRs and N1-miRs were anti-correlated. The tumor samples can be divided into two groups depending on the expression ratio between N0-miRs and N1-miRs.

Conclusions

We found the miRNA expression signature associated with lymphatic dissemination, in particular on the Russian patient cohort. Many of these miRNAs are well-known players in either oncogenic transformation or tumor suppression. Further experimental studies with extended sampling are required to validate these results.

Value of miR-1271 and glypican-3 in evaluating the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death, causing about 750000 deaths worldwide every year. Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma will often only receive transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Glypican-3 (GPC3) is one of the most promising serum markers for HCC. Abnormal expression of miRNAs may be involved in the occurrence and development of tumor.

AIM

To explore the value of miR-1271 and GPC3 in evaluating the prognosis of patients with HCC after TACE.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2018, 162 patients with advanced HCC who received TACE in our hospital were selected into the cancer group, and 162 patients who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected into the health group. The patients in the HCC group were treated with TACE. The changes of serum GPC3 and circulating miR-1271 in the HCC before and after TACE were analyzed. The expression of serum GPC3 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of circulating miR-1271 was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The methodological results of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of miR-1271 and GPC3 alone and joint detection of HCC were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The level of serum GPC3 in patients with HCC was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. GPC3 levels were increased in both HCC patients and those treated with TACE compared with healthy controls. After TACE, the level of serum GPC3 was significantly lower than that before treatment (P < 0.05), and the level of circulating miR-1271 was significantly higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). There were 112 cases (69.14%) with remission (complete remission + complete remission + stable disease) and 50 cases (30.86%) with relapse disease progression in HCC patients. After TACE, the miR-1271 level in patients with remission and relapse was lower than that in the healthy group, and the GPC3 level was higher than that in the healthy group, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The miR-1271 of relapsed patients was lower than that of remission patients, and the level of GPC3 was higher than that of remission patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of combined detection of miR-1271 and GPC3 was significantly higher than that of single detection, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); while the specificity of the two combined detections was lower than that of the single detection; and the accuracy was slightly higher than that of single detection, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The level of miR-1271 in patients with HCC was significantly increased and the level of GPC3 was decreased after TACE. Monitoring the levels of serum GPC3 and circulating miR-1271 has important clinical reference value for evaluating the prognosis of patients with HCC. The levels of serum GPC3 and circulating miR-1271 may help to determine tumor recurrence, evaluate survival status, and guide the next step of treatment.

Long noncoding RNA AC092171.4 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging microRNA-1271 and upregulating GRB2

In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC092171.4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AC092171.4 was significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to normal liver tissues. HCC patients with high AC092171.4 expression showed poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than those with low AC092171.4 expression. In vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness were all higher in AC092171.4-overexpressing HCC cells, but lower in AC092171.4-silenced HCC cells, than in controls. Balb/c nude mice injected with AC092171.4-silenced HCC cells had smaller xenograft tumors, which showed less growth and pulmonary metastasis than control tumors. Bioinformatics analyses and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that AC092171.4 binds directly to miR-1271, which targets the 3’UTR of GRB2 mRNA. AC092171.4 expression correlates negatively with miR1271 expression and correlates positively with GRB2 mRNA expression in HCC tissues from patients. HCC cells co-transfected with miR-1271 mimics and sh-AC092171.4 show less proliferation, migration, invasiveness, GRB2 protein, and epithelial to mesencyhmal transition (EMT) than sh-AC092171.4-transfected HCC cells. These findings demonstrate that AC092171.4 promotes growth and progression of HCC by sponging miR-1271 and upregulating GRB2. This makes AC092171.4 a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Circular RNA circMBOAT2 promotes prostate cancer progression via a miR-1271-5p/mTOR axis

Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) have poor prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate biological processes in a variety of cancers, but the precise roles of circRNAs in PCa are poorly understood. Herein, we identified a novel circRNA, termed circMBOAT2 (has_circ_0007334), which was significantly overexpressed in PCa tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of circMBOAT2 was associated with high Gleason score, advanced pathological T stage, and poor prognosis. Overexpression of circMBOAT2 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells in vitro, and enhanced tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, circMBOAT2 overexpression upregulated the expression of mTOR by acting as a decoy for miR-1271-5p, resulting in the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, ultimately promoting the progression of PCa. Importantly, application of an inhibitor of mTOR significantly antagonized circMBOAT2-mediated PCa tumorigenesis in vivo. circMBOAT2 promotes proliferation and metastasis of PCa through miR-1271-5p/mTOR axis-mediated activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In summary, our findings uncover a molecular mechanism in the progression of PCa and indicate that circMBOAT2 may be a useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in PCa.

The Role of Glypicans in Cancer Progression and Therapy

Glypicans are a family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans that are attached to the cell membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Glypicans interact with multiple ligands, including morphogens, growth factors, chemokines, ligands, receptors, and components of the extracellular matrix through their heparan sulfate chains and core protein. Therefore, glypicans can function as coreceptors to regulate cell proliferation, cell motility, and morphogenesis. In addition, some glypicans are abnormally expressed in cancers, possibly involved in tumorigenesis, and have the potential to be cancer-specific biomarkers. Here, we provide a brief review focusing on the expression of glypicans in various cancers and their potential to be targets for cancer therapy.

A novel miR-1291-ERRα-CPT1C axis modulates tumor cell proliferation, metabolism and tumorigenesis

Rationale: MicroRNAs are known to influence the development of a variety of cancers. Previous studies revealed that miR-1291 has antiproliferative functions in cancer cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (CPT1C) has a vital role in mitochondrial energy metabolism and modulation of cancer cell proliferation. Since both miR-1291 and CPT1C regulate tumor cell metabolism and cancer progression, we hypothesized that they might be regulated synergistically. Methods: A series of cell phenotype indicators, such as BrdU, colony formation, cell cycle, ATP production, ROS accumulation and cell ability to resist metabolic stress, were performed to clarify the effects of miR-1291 and ERRα expression on tumor cell proliferation and metabolism. A xenograft tumor model was used to evaluate cell tumorigenesis. Meta-analysis and bioinformatic prediction were applied in the search for the bridge-link between miR-1291 and CPT1C. RT-qPCR, western-blot and IHC analysis were used for the detection of mRNA and protein expression. Luciferase assays and ChIP assays were conducted for in-depth mechanism studies. Results: The expression of miR-1291 inhibited growth and tumorigenesis as a result of modulation of metabolism. CPT1C expression was indirectly and negatively correlated with miR-1291 levels. ESRRA was identified as a prominent differentially expressed gene in both breast and pancreatic cancer samples, and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) was found to link miR-1291 and CPT1C. MiR-1291 targeted ERRα and CPT1C was identified as a newly described ERRα target gene. Moreover, ERRα was found to influence cancer cell metabolism and proliferation, consistent with the cellular changes caused by miR-1291. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the existence and mechanism of action of a novel miR-1291-ERRα-CPT1C cancer metabolism axis that may provide new insights and strategies for the development of miRNA-based therapies for malignant cancers.

c-Src promotes tumor progression through downregulation of microRNA-129-1-3p

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) fine‐tune cellular signaling by regulating expression of signaling proteins, and aberrant expression of miRNAs is observed in many cancers. The tyrosine kinase c‐Src is upregulated in various human cancers, but the molecular mechanisms underlying c‐Src‐mediated tumor progression remain unclear. In previous investigations of miRNA‐mediated control of c‐Src‐related oncogenic pathways, we identified miRNAs that were downregulated in association with c‐Src transformation and uncovered the signaling networks by predicting their target genes, which might act cooperatively to control tumor progression. Here, to further elucidate the process of cell transformation driven by c‐Src, we analyzed the expression profiles of miRNAs in a doxycycline‐inducible Src expression system. We found that miRNA (miR)‐129‐1‐3p was downregulated in the early phase of c‐Src‐induced cell transformation, and that reexpression of miR‐129‐1‐3p disrupted c‐Src‐induced cell transformation. In addition, miR‐129‐1‐3p downregulation was tightly associated with tumor progression in human colon cancer cells/tissues. Expression of miR‐129‐1‐3p in human colon cancer cells caused morphological changes and suppressed tumor growth, cell adhesion, and invasion. We also identified c‐Src and its critical substrate Fer, and c‐Yes, a member of the Src family of kinases, as novel targets of miR‐129‐1‐3p. Furthermore, we found that miR‐129‐1‐3p‐mediated regulation of c‐Src/Fer and c‐Yes is important for controlling cell adhesion and invasion. Downregulation of miR‐129‐1‐3p by early activation of c‐Src increases expression of these target genes and synergistically promotes c‐Src‐related oncogenic signaling. Thus, c‐Src‐miR‐129‐1‐3p circuits serve as critical triggers for tumor progression in many human cancers that harbor upregulation of c‐Src.

miR-4510 blocks hepatocellular carcinoma development through RAF1 targeting and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signalling inactivation

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic outcomes using the multikinase inhibitors, sorafenib and regorafenib, remain unsatisfactory for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, new drug modalities are needed. We recently reported the remarkable capacity of miR-4510 to impede the growth of HCC and hepatoblastoma through Glypican-3 (GPC3) targeting and Wnt pathway inactivation.

METHODS

To identify new targets of miR-4510, we used a label-free proteomic approach and reported down-regulation of RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (RAF1) by miR-4510. Because the tumourigenic role of RAF1 in HCC is controversial, we further studied RAF1:miR-4510 interactions using cellular, molecular as well as functional approaches and a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model.

RESULTS

We found an increase in RAF1 protein in 59.3% of HCC patients and a specific up-regulation of its transcript in proliferative tumours. We showed that miR-4510 inactivates the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and reduces the expression of downstream targets (ie c-Fos proto-oncogene [FOS]) through RAF1 direct targeting. At a cellular level, miR-4510 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and migration and induced senescence in part by lowering RAF1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression. Finally, we confirmed the pro-tumoural function of RAF1 protein in HCC cells and its ability to sustain HCC tumour progression in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

In this work, we confirm that RAF1 acts as an oncogene in HCC and further demonstrate that miR-4510 acts as a strong tumour suppressor in the liver by targeting many proto-oncogenes, including GPC3 and RAF1, and subsequently controlling key biological and signalling pathways among which Wnt and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signals.

miR-1271 inhibits growth, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting ZEB1 in ovarian cancer cells

Objective

MicroRNA-1271 (miR-1271) has a role in suppressing cell growth, cell cycle and promoting cell apoptosis in many cancers. This research was to explore the great role of miR-1271 in ovarian cancer (OC).

Patients and Methods

RT-qPCR was utilized to evaluate the mRNA levels of miR-1271 and its target gene. The proliferative and invasive abilities were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays. The overall survival rate of OC patients was assessed by Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

miR-1271 was downregulated in OC tissues, and downregulation of miR-1271 predicted a poor outcome of the OC patients. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was a target gene of miR-1271 and its expression was regulated by miR-1271 in OC. The expression of miR-1271 had a negative connection with the expression of ZEB1 in OC tissues. miR-1271 inhibited cell viability and invasion-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SKOV3 cells. ZEB1 reversed partial roles of miR-1271 on viability and invasion in OC.

Conclusion

miR-1271 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion-mediated EMT in OC. The newly identified miR-1271/ZEB1 axis provides novel insight into the pathogenesis of OC.

IL-6 and miR-1271 expression levels in elderly and young gastric cancer patients and correlation analysis with prognosis

Differences in inflammatory factors IL-6 and miR-1271 expression levels between elderly and young gastric cancer patients were investigated. A retrospective analysis of 146 cases of gastric cancer tissue and normal fresh tissue specimens diagnosed in The First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2013 to January 2015, was performed. Patients aged ≥60 years were the elderly group (76 cases), and patients ≤40 years were the youth group (70 cases). RT-qPCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of IL-6 and miR-1271, and Kaplan-Meier for a postoperative 3-year survival analysis of young and elderly gastric cancer patients. The expression level of IL-6 and miR-1271 was significantly higher in young gastric cancer tissues than that in elderly gastric cancer tissues (P<0.001). The expression levels of IL-6 and miR-1271 were correlated with age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, clinical stage and differentiation degree of gastric cancer patients (P<0.05). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients with a low expression of IL-6 and miR-1271 was better than that of patients with a high expression in young and elderly gastric cancer (P<0.05). IL-6 was highly expressed but miR-1271 expression was low in gastric cancer tissues. The 3-year overall survival rate of patients with the low expression of IL-6 was better than that of patients with the high expression in young and elderly gastric cancer. The high expression of miR-1271 was better than that of patients with the low expression in young and elderly gastric cancer. Findings of the present study provide data support for the clinical evaluation of differences between young and elderly gastric cancer and their prognosis.

MicroRNA-1271 functions as a potential tumor suppressor in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma through the AMPK signaling pathway by binding to CCNA1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mainly associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and characterized by metastasizing and infiltrating adjacent and distant tissues. Notably, microRNA-1271 (miR-1271) is a tumor suppressor in various cancers. Therefore, we evaluate the ability of miR-1271 to influence cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in HBV-associated HCC through the Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway via targeting CCNA1. HBV-associated HCC and adjacent normal tissues were collected to identify the expression of miR-1271 and CCNA1. To verify the relationship between miR-1271 and CCNA1, we used bioinformatics prediction and the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of miR-1271 on HBV-associated HCC cell behaviors were investigated by treatment of the miR-1271 mimic, the miR-1271 inhibitor, or small interfering RNA against CCNA1. The HBV-DNA quantitative assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromid assay, scratch test, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect HBV-DNA replication, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. MiR-1271 showed a low expression, whereas CCNA1 showed a high expression in HBV-associated HCC tissues. We identified that miR-1271 targeted and negatively regulated CCNA1. Upregulated miR-1271 and downregulated CCNA1 inhibited the HBV-associated HCC cell HBV-DNA replication, proliferation, migration, and invasion, while accelerating apoptosis by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. MiR-1271 promotes the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway by binding to CCNA1, whereby miR-1271 suppresses HBV-associated HCC progression. This study points to a potential therapeutic approach of downregulation of miR-1271 in HBV-associated HCC treatment.

Retracted Article: MicroRNA-1271 modulates hepatitis B virus replication, cell proliferation and apoptosis in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SIRT1

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Certain studies have revealed that microRNAs play crucial roles in HBV-related HCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microRNA-1271 (miR-1271) on HBV replication, cell proliferation and apoptosis in HBV-related HCC. The expression of HBV DNA and miR-1271 was detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1 were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. HBV replication was assessed by the expression of HBV DNA and the levels of HBsAg and HBeAg. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuidine (BrdU) assay, and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the activity of caspase-3. The relationship between miR-1271 and SIRT1 was predicated by online software and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assay. We first found that the expression of miR-1271 was downregulated and SIRT1 was upregulated in both HBV-related HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-1271 inhibited HBV replication and cell proliferation whilst promoting apoptosis in HBV-related HCC cells. Subsequently, SIRT1 was identified as a target of miR-1271. Moreover, overexpression of SIRT1 reversed the effects of miR-1271 overexpression on HBV replication, cell proliferation and apoptosis in HBV-related HCC cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-1271 inhibited HBV replication and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HBV-related HCC cells via targeting SIRT1, which might contribute to the diagnosis and therapy of HBV-related HCC.

MiR-1271 suppressed HBV-related HCC cells development by downregulating SIRT1.

microRNAs: Key players in virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as one of the major health problems worldwide. Pathological analysis indicated that a variety of risk factors including genetical (i.e., alteration of tumor suppressors and oncogenes) and environmental factors (i.e., viruses) are involved in beginning and development of HCC. The understanding of these risk factors could guide scientists and clinicians to design effective therapeutic options in HCC treatment. Various viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) via targeting several cellular and molecular pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis. Among various cellular and molecular targets, microRNAs (miRNAs) have appeared as key players in HCC progression. miRNAs are short noncoding RNAs which could play important roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in several malignancies such as HCC. Deregulation of many miRNAs (i.e., miR-222, miR-25, miR-92a, miR-1, let-7f, and miR-21) could be associated with different stages of HCC. Besides miRNAs, exosomes are other particles which are involved in HCC pathogenesis via targeting different cargos, such as DNAs, RNAs, miRNAs, and proteins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs and exosomes as important players in HCC pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted HCV- and HBV-related miRNAs which led to HCC progression.

Emodin inhibits pancreatic cancer EMT and invasion by up‑regulating microRNA‑1271

Emodin has a direct inhibitory effect on the growth and metastasis of a variety of malignant tumor cells. MicroRNA-1271 (miR-1271) has an extensive tumor-suppression effect by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells and induces tumor cell apoptosis. Proceeding with the EMT regulatory mechanism of pancreatic carcinoma, the present study aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of miR-1271 and emodin against invasion and metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma. The expression of EMT-related markers (E-cadherin, ZEB1 and TWIST1) was analyzed by western blotting. mRNA levels of miR-1271, E-cadherin, ZEB1 and TWIST1 in pancreatic tumor cells (SW1990) were measured through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and cell invasiveness was detected using Transwell assays. In addition, a liver metastatic model was established with an implantation of pancreatic tumor tissue into the spleens of nude mice to study the effect of emodin on pancreatic cancer liver metastasis. In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR-1271 significantly decreased in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues. Twist1 may be a target gene of miR-1271. Emodin could inhibit the proliferation ability of pancreatic cancer cells and increased miR-1271 expression level. Further, we found that miR-1271 significantly inhibited SW1990 cell EMT and invasive ability. We also provided the evidence that emodin inhibited SW1990 cell EMT by raising the level of miR-1271. Moreover, the in vivo experiments have verified the inhibiting effect of emodin against liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The data in the present study indicated that emodin inhibited pancreatic cancer EMT and invasion by increasing the content of miR-1271.

Epigenetic silencing of miR-1271 enhances MEK1 and TEAD4 expression in gastric cancer

Epigenetic dysregulation is a major driver of tumorigenesis. To identify tumor-suppressive microRNAs repressed by DNA methylation in gastric cancer (GC), we analyzed the genome-wide DNA methylation and microRNA expression profiles of EpCAM+/CD44+ GC cells. Among the set of microRNAs screened, miR-1271 was identified as a microRNA repressed by DNA methylation in GC. Forced miR-1271 expression substantially suppressed the growth, migration, and invasion of GC cells. To identify candidate target genes and signaling pathways regulated by miR-1271, we performed RNA sequencing. Among the genes down-regulated by miR-1271, MAP2K1 (MEK1) was significantly repressed by miR-1271, and the associated ERK/MAPK signaling pathway was also inhibited. TEAD4 was also repressed by miR-1271, and the associated YAP1 signatures within genes regulated by miR-1271 were significantly enriched. These findings uncovered MEK1 and TEAD4 as novel miR-1271 targets and suggest that the epigenetic silencing of miR-1271 is crucial for GC development.

New tumor suppressor microRNAs target glypican-3 in human liver cancer

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an oncogene, frequently upregulated in liver malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma and constitutes a potential molecular target for therapy in liver cancer. Using a functional screening system, we identified 10 new microRNAs controlling GPC3 expression in malignant liver cells, five of them e.g. miR-4510, miR-203a-3p, miR-548aa, miR-376b-3p and miR-548v reduce GPC3 expression. These 5 microRNAs were significantly downregulated in tumoral compared to non-tumoral liver and inhibited tumor cell proliferation. Interestingly, miR-4510 inversely correlated with GPC3 mRNA and protein in HCC samples. This microRNA also induced apoptosis of hepatoma cells and blocked tumor growth in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model. We further show that the tumor suppressive effect of miR-4510 is mediated through direct targeting of GPC3 mRNA and inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity and signaling pathway. Moreover, miR-4510 up-regulated the expression of several tumor suppressor genes while reducing the expression of other pro-oncogenes. In summary, we uncovered several new microRNAs targeting the oncogenic functions of GPC3. We provided strong molecular, cellular and in vivo evidences for the tumor suppressive activities of miR-4510 bringing to the fore the potential value of this microRNA in HCC therapy.

Role of Glycanation and Convertase Maturation of Soluble Glypican-3 in Inhibiting Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a complex heparan sulfate proteoglycan associated with the outer surface of the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. It is also N-glycosylated and processed by a furin-like convertase. GPC3 has numerous biological functions. Although GPC3 is undetectable in normal liver tissue, it is abnormally and highly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, proliferation of HCC cells such as HepG2 and HuH7 is inhibited when they express a soluble form of GPC3 after lentiviral transduction. To obtain more insight into the role of some of its post-translational modifications, we designed a mutant GPC3, sGPC3m, without its GPI anchor, convertase cleavage site, and glycosaminoglycan chains. The highly pure sGPC3m protein strongly inhibited HuH7 and HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro and induced a significant increase in their cell doubling time. It changed the morphology of HuH7 cells but not that of HepG2. It induced the enlargement of HuH7 cell nuclear area and the restructuration of adherent cell junctions. Unexpectedly, for both cell types, the levels of apoptosis, cell division, and β-catenin were not altered by sGPC3m, although growth inhibition was very efficient. Overall, our data show that glycanation and convertase maturation are not required for sGPC3m to inhibit HCC cell proliferation.

MicroRNA-1291 targets the FOXA2-AGR2 pathway to suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Better understanding of pancreatic cancer biology may help identify new oncotargets towards more effective therapies. This study investigated the mechanistic actions of microRNA-1291 (miR-1291) in the suppression of pancreatic tumorigenesis. Our data showed that miR-1291 was downregulated in a set of clinical pancreatic carcinoma specimens and human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Restoration of miR-1291 expression inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, which was associated with cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-1291 sharply suppressed the tumorigenicity of PANC-1 cells in mouse models. A proteomic profiling study revealed 32 proteins altered over 2-fold in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1 cells that could be assembled into multiple critical pathways for cancer. Among them anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) was reduced to the greatest degree. Through computational and experimental studies we further identified that forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), a transcription factor governing AGR2 expression, was a direct target of miR-1291. These results connect miR-1291 to the FOXA2-AGR2 regulatory pathway in the suppression of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, providing new insight into the development of miRNA-based therapy to combat pancreatic cancer.

Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers for Pediatric Astrocytomas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Since MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potent regulators of gene expression, their expression and function alterations are associated with different types of cancer, including pediatric astrocytoma. Since the secretion of miRNAs by tumors into corporal fluids has made it possible to identify biomarkers in cancer, their deter mination in pediatric astrocytoma is vital. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms controlled by miRNAs in these neoplasms, we tested the expression of miRNAs 130a, 145, 335, 1303, and let-7g-3p by qPCR in tumors and blood serum from pediatric patients with astrocytoma. The data was analyzed with the DIANA-miRPath v3.0 platform.

RESULTS

The data represented expression changes of all mirRNAs tested in both tumors and blood serum, which strongly suggest their use as circulating biomarkers for astrocytic tumors. The bioinformatic analysis -with DIANA-miRPath v3.0- showed the involvement of these miRNAs in extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and proteoglycans in cancer, which control many hallmarks of cancer. In fact, the expression of the proteoglycan syndecan 4 (SDC4) and that of its biosynthetic enzymes, Exostosin Glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1) and Xylosyltransferase 1 (XYLT1), were altered in pediatric astrocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the role of microRNAs in the biology of pediatric astrocytoma and demonstrated for the first time the potential use of some circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for this type of tumors, particularly miRs 130a, 145, and 335.

MicroRNA-1271 inhibits cellular proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, particularly in China. MicroRNAs (miRs) serve important roles in the pathogenesis of HCC. The present study investigated the function of miR-1271 in HCC. The miR-1271 levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cells growth was examined by MTT assay. Bioinformatics algorithms from TargetScanHuman were used to predict the target genes of miR-1271. The protein level was assayed by western blotting. miR-1271 demonstrated a lower expression level in HCC tissues. Upregulation of miR-1271 suppressed the growth of HepG-2 and Huh-7 cells and induced apoptosis of cells. Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) was targeted by miR-1271. In conclusion, miR-1271 is a novel tumor suppressor that inhibits HCC proliferation and induces cellular apoptosis by targeting FOXQ1 in HCC. The results of the present study may provide a novel therapeutic target of HCC.

Microenvironment inflammatory infiltrate drives growth speed and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective clinical study

In HCC, tumor microenvironment, heavily influenced by the underlying chronic liver disease, etiology and stage of the tissue damage, affects tumor progression and determines the high heterogeneity of the tumor. Aim of this study was to identify the circulating and tissue components of the microenvironment immune-mediated response affecting the aggressiveness and the ensuing clinical outcome. We analyzed the baseline paired HCC and the surrounding tissue biopsies from a prospective cohort of 132 patients at the first diagnosis of HCC for immunolocalization of PD-1/PD-L1, FoxP3, E-cadherin, CLEC2 and for a panel of 82 microRNA associated with regulation of angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell signaling, immune control and autophagy. Original microarray data were also explored. Serum samples were analyzed for a panel of 19 cytokines. Data were associated with biochemical data, histopathology and survival. Patients with a more aggressive disease and shorter survival, who we named fast-growing accordingly to the tumor doubling time, at presentation had significantly higher AFP levels, TGF-β1 and Cyphra 21-1 levels. Transcriptomic analysis evidenced a significant downregulation of CLEC2 and upregulation of several metalloproteinases. A marked local upregulation of both PD-1 and PD-L1, a concomitant FoxP3-positive lymphocytic infiltrate, a loss of E-cadherin, gain of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and extreme poor differentiation at histology were also present. Upregulated microRNA in fast-growing HCCs are associated with TGF-β signaling, angiogenesis and inflammation. Our data show that fast HCCs are characterized not only by redundant neo-angiogenesis but also by unique features of distinctively immunosuppressed microenvironment, prominent EMT, and clear-cut activation of TGFβ1 signaling in a general background of long-standing and permanent inflammatory state.

MiR-107 inhibits proliferation of lung cancer cells through regulating TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1)

Aims

Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant expression of miR-107 plays a crucial role in cancers. This study aims to display the function of miR-107 and its novel target genes in the progression of lung cancer.

Methods and Material

MiR-107 or miR-107 inhibitor was transfected into lung cancer cells A549. The levels of miR-107 and TP53 regulated inhibition of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) were examined by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and Western Blot. Functionally, MTT and colony formation assays were carried out to test the effect of miR-107 inhibitor and/or small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting TRIAP1 mRNA on proliferation of lung cancer cells. Levels of miR-107 or TRIAP1 were detected in clinical lung cancer samples by using qRT-PCR analysis.

Results

QRT-PCR analysis revealed that miR-107 inhibitor or miR-107 was successfully transfected into A549 cells. Western Blot indicated that miR-107 decreased the expression of TRIAP1 protein in the cells. In contrast, miR-107 inhibitor augmented the levels of TRIAP1 protein. Functionally, miR-107 inhibitor remarkably suppressed A549 cell proliferation, whereas, TRIAP1 siRNAs could abrogate the miR-107 inhibitor-induced proliferation of cells. Then, we validated that TRIAP1 was increased in clinical lung cancer samples. MiR-107 expression was negatively related to TRIAP1 expression in clinical lung cancer samples.

Conclusions

MiR-107 suppresses cell proliferation by targeting TRIAP1 in lung cancer. Our finding allows new insights into the mechanisms of lung cancer that is mediated by miR-107.

Glypican-3: A promising biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment

Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type. Therefore, molecular targets are urgently required for the early detection of HCC and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Glypican-3 (GPC3), an oncofetal proteoglycan anchored to the cell membrane, is normally detected in the fetal liver but not in the healthy adult liver. However, in HCC patients, GPC3 is overexpressed at both the gene and protein levels, and its expression predicts a poor prognosis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that GPC3 functions in HCC progression by binding to molecules such as Wnt signaling proteins and growth factors. Moreover, GPC3 has been used as a target for molecular imaging and therapeutic intervention in HCC. To date, GPC3-targeted magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and near-infrared imaging have been investigated for early HCC detection, and various immunotherapeutic protocols targeting GPC3 have been developed, including the use of humanized anti-GPC3 cytotoxic antibodies, treatment with peptide/DNA vaccines, immunotoxin therapies, and genetic therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure, function, and biology of GPC3 with a focus on its clinical potential as a diagnostic molecule and a therapeutic target in HCC immunotherapy.

miRNA‑1271 inhibits cell proliferation in neuroglioma by targeting fibronectin 1

miR-1271 is a multifunctional post-translational modulator, which is involved in several diseases. However, the association between microRNA (miR)-1271 and fibronectin 1 (FN1) remains to be fully elucidated in neuroglioma. In the present study, it was hypothesized that a post-translational mechanism of miR-1271 regulates the expression of FN1 in the progression of neuroglioma. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and underlying molecular mechanisms of miRNA-1271 in the development of glioma. The miR-1271 levels in glioma tissues and cell lines were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). miR-1271 mimics and inhibitors were transfected to gain or loss of miR-1271 function. Cell proliferation was analyzed by using an MTT assay. The targeted genes were predicted by a bioinformatics algorithm and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay. The mRNA and protein levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The results showed that miR-1271 was downregulated in glioma tumor tissues and cell lines. In addition, it was demonstrated that low levels of miR-1271 in patients with glioma were correlated with low survival rate. In vitro, the cell viability was significantly suppressed following transfection with miRNA-1271 mimics and increased following transfection with the miRNA-1271 inhibitor. The miRNA-1271 mimics induced cell apoptosis and the miRNA-1271 inhibitor suppressed cell apoptosis in H4 and U251 cell lines. Furthermore, the 3′-untranslated region of FN1 was bound by miR-1271. Therefore, it was concluded that miR-1271 inhibited glioma cell growth by targeting FN1, and a low level of miR-1271 in glioma tumor tissues was associated with lower survival rates in patients with glioma.

FOXK2, regulted by miR-1271-5p, promotes cell growth and indicates unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

The forkhead transcription factor FOXK2 has been implicated in the progression of human cancers, but its role and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been explored. Here we showed that FOXK2 expression was increased and associated with tumor size, TNM stage and vascular invasion. High FOXK2 expression was correlated with poor overall and disease-free survival in two independent cohorts consisting of 864 patients with HCC. The prognostic value of FOXK2 was validated by stratified survival analyses in subgroups difined by factors contributing to worse survival. Multivariate Cox regression model revealed that FOXK2 served as an independent factor for overall survival. The FOXK2 expression was reversely connected with miR-1271-5p in clinical samples. Re-introduction of miR-1271 decreased FOXK2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Luciferase assay confirmed that FOXK2 was a direct target of miR-1271 in HCC cells. Overexpression of FOXK2 enhanced the cell growth and migration, whereas FOXK2 silence resulted in the opposite phenotypes. Further studies demonstrated that FOXK2 exerted oncogenic activity via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, our data suggest FOXK2 as an oncogene and a promising prognostic biomarker in HCC. Targeting the newly identified miR-1271/FOXK2/AKT axis may represent a potential strategy for HCC intervention.

MicroRNA therapy inhibits hepatoblastoma growth in vivo by targeting β-catenin and Wnt signaling

Hepatoblastoma (HBL) is the most common pediatric liver cancer. In this malignant neoplasm, beta-catenin protein accumulates and increases Wnt signaling due to recurrent activating mutations in the catenin-beta 1 (CTNNB1) gene. Therefore, beta-catenin is a key therapeutic target in HBL. However, controlling beta-catenin production with therapeutic molecules has been challenging. New biological studies could provide alternative therapeutic solutions for the treatment of HBL, especially for advanced tumors and metastatic disease. In this study, we identified microRNAs (miRNAs) that target beta-catenin and block HBL cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Using our dual-fluorescence-FunREG system, we screened a library of 1,712 miRNA mimics and selected candidates inhibiting CTNNB1 expression through interaction with its untranslated regions. After validating the regulatory effect of nine miRNAs on beta-catenin in HBL cells, we measured their expression in patient samples. Let-7i-3p, miR-449b-3p, miR-624-5p, and miR-885-5p were decreased in tumors compared to normal livers. Moreover, they inhibited HBL cell growth and Wnt signaling activity in vitro partly through beta-catenin down-regulation. Additionally, miR-624-5p induced cell senescence in vitro, blocked experimental HBL growth in vivo, and directly targeted the beta-catenin 3'-untranslated region. Conclusion: Our results shed light on how beta-catenin-regulating miRNAs control HBL progression through Wnt signaling inactivation. In particular, miR-624-5p may constitute a promising candidate for miRNA replacement therapy for HBL patients. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:168-183).

Inhibition of DIXDC1 by microRNA-1271 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells

Disheveled-Axin domain containing 1 (DIXDC1) is involved in the development and progression of multiple cancers. However, the function significance of DIXDC1 in prostate cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the function of DIXDC1 in prostate cancer and the regulation of DIXDC1 by microRNAs (miRNAs). We found that DIXDC1 was highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of DIXDC1 by small interfering RNAs markedly suppressed proliferation, invasion and Wnt signaling in prostate cancer cells. DIXDC1 was identified as a target gene of miR-1271 by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, DIXDC1 expression was inversely correlated with miR-1271 expression in prostate cancer tissues. The overexpression of miR-1271 significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion and Wnt signaling in prostate cancer cells. However, the inhibition of miR-1271 exhibits the opposite effects. Moreover, the overexpression of DIXDC1 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-1271 overexpression. Taken together, our results suggest that DIXDC1 plays an important role in regulating prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Targeting DIXDC1 by miR-1271 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

[Research progress of miRNAs targeting GSK-3β in regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis]

Invasion and metastasis are key factors contributing to the high mortality rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving a complex mechanism. In the invasion and metastasis of HCC, miRNAs can serve as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes to regulate the differentiation and proliferation of tumor cells being and play important roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. This review summarizes the recent progress in research of the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs targeting GSK-3β regulate HCC invasion and metastasis and examines the roles of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and GSK-3β regulation.

A preliminary analysis of microRNA-21 expression alteration after antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating psychiatric disorder of unknown etiology, and its diagnosis is essentially based on clinical symptoms. Despite growing evidence on the relation of altered expression of miRNAs and schizophrenia, most patients with schizophrenia usually had an extensive antipsychotic treatment history before miRNA expression profile analysis, and the pharmacological effects on miRNA expression are largely unknown. To overcome these impediments, miRNA microarray analysis was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with schizophrenia who were not on antipsychotic medication and healthy controls. Then, using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we verified the top 10 miRNAs with the highest fold-change values from microarray analysis in 82 patients with schizophrenia and 43 healthy controls, and nine miRNAs demonstrated significant differences in expression levels. Finally, we compared these nine miRNA profiles before and after antipsychotic treatment. Our results revealed that serum miR-21 expression decreased strikingly in patients after antipsychotic treatment. The change of miR-21 expression was negatively correlated with improvement of positive, general psychopathology, and aggressiveness symptoms. This study preliminarily analyzed the possible changes in circulating miRNAs expression in response to antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia, and the molecular mechanisms of this needs to be further explored.

Advances in the study of oncofetal antigen glypican-3 expression in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Early specific diagnosis and effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are crucial. Expression of membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan glypican-3 (GPC-3) was recently found to increase as part of the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, and this increase is especially marked in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, periportal cancerous embolus, or extra-hepatic metastasis. According to data from basic and clinical studies, the oncofetal antigen GPC-3 is a highly specific diagnostic biomarker of HCC and an indicator of its prognosis, and GPC-3 is also a promising target molecule for HCC gene therapy since it may play a crucial role in cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion and it may mediate oncogenesis and oncogenic signaling pathways. This review summarizes recent advances in the use of oncofetal antigen GPC-3 to diagnose HBV-related HCC, estimate its prognosis, and its targeted therapy.

Novel insights into Notum and glypicans regulation in colorectal cancer

The connection between colorectal cancer (CRC) and Wnt signaling pathway activation is well known, but full elucidation of the underlying regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its biological functions in CRC pathogenesis is still needed. Here, the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium salt (AOM/DSS) murine model has been used as an experimental platform able to mimic human sporadic CRC development with predictable timing. We performed genome-wide expression profiling of AOM/DSS-induced tumors and normal colon mucosa to identify potential novel CRC biomarkers. Remarkably, the enhanced expression of Notum, a conserved feedback antagonist of Wnt, was observed in tumors along with alterations in Glypican-1 and Glypican-3 levels. These findings were confirmed in a set of human CRC samples. Here, we provide the first demonstration of significant changes in Notum and glypicans gene expression during CRC development and present evidence to suggest them as potential new biomarkers of CRC pathogenesis.

MiR-30e suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cells via targeting prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 (P4HA1) mRNA

Aberrant microRNA expression has been shown to be characteristic of many cancers. It has been reported that the expression levels of miR-30e are decreased in liver cancer tissues. However, the role of miR-30e in hepatocellular carcinoma remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the significance of miR-30e in hepatocarcinogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis reveals a putative target site of miR-30e in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 (P4HA1) mRNA. Moreover, luciferase reporter gene assays verified that miR-30e directly targeted 3'UTR of P4HA1 mRNA. Then, we demonstrated that miR-30e was able to reduce the expression of P4HA1 at the levels of mRNA and protein using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Enforced expression of miR-30e suppressed proliferation of HepG2 cells by 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and reduced colony formation of these cells by colony formation analysis. Conversely, anti-miR-30e enhanced the proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro. Interestingly, the ectopic expression of P4HA1 could efficiently rescue the inhibition of cell proliferation mediated by miR-30e in HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, silencing of P4HA1 abolished the anti-miR-30e-induced proliferation of cells. Clinically, quantitative real-time PCR showed that miR-30e was down-regulated in liver tumor tissues relative to their peritumor tissues. The expression levels of miR-30e were negatively correlated to those of P4HA1 mRNA in clinical liver tumor tissues. Thus, we conclude that miR-30e suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cells through targeting P4HA1 mRNA. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Positive Bioluminescence Imaging of MicroRNA Expression in Small Animal Models Using an Engineered Genetic-Switch Expression System, RILES

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression by directing their target mRNA for degradation or translational repression. Since their discovery in the early 1990s, miRNAs have emerged as key components in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene networks, shaping many biological processes from development, morphogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Although understanding of the molecular basis of miRNA biology is improving, methods to monitor the dynamic and the spatiotemporal aspects of miRNA expression under physiopathological conditions are required. However, monitoring of miRNAs is difficult due to their small size, low abundance, high degree of sequence similarity, and their dynamic expression pattern which is subjected to tight transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls. Recently, we developed a miRNA monitoring system called RILES, standing for RNAi-inducible expression system, which relies on an engineered regulatable expression system, to switch on the expression of the luciferase gene when the targeted miRNA is expressed in cells. We demonstrated that RILES is a specific, sensitive, and robust method to determine the fine-tuning of miRNA expression during the development of an experimental pathological process in mice. Because RILES offers the possibility for longitudinal studies on individual subjects, sharper insights into miRNA regulation can be generated, with applications in physiology, pathophysiology and development of RNAi-based therapies. This chapter describes methods and protocols to monitor the expression of myomiR-206, -1, and -133 in the tibialis anterior muscle of mice. These protocols can be used and adapted to monitor the expression of other miRNAs in other biological processes.

Glypican-3 is a biomarker and a therapeutic target of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial, multi-step and complex process. Early diagnosis and effective treatments are of utmost importance. This review summarized the recent studies of oncofetal glypican-3 (GPC-3), a membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

DATA SOURCES

English-language reports published from June 2001 to September 2014 were searched from MEDLINE. The key words searched included: GPC-3, biomarker, target and HCC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were extracted, and the effect of GPC-3 targeted therapy on HCC was also evaluated.

RESULTS

GPC-3 plays a crucial role in HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. It mediates oncogenesis involving signaling pathways during hepatocyte malignant transformation. GPC-3 expression is increased in atypical hyperplasia and cancerous tissues. GPC-3 levels in HCC patients are related to HBV infection, TNM stage, periportal cancerous embolus, and extrahepatic metastasis. The diagnostic accuracy of the combination of serum GPC-3 and alpha-fetoprotein in HCC is up to 94.3%. Down-regulation of GPC-3 with specific siRNA or anti-GPC-3 antibody alters cell migration, metastasis and invasion behaviors. The nude mice xenograft tumor growth is inhibited by silencing GPC-3 gene transcription.

CONCLUSION

Oncofetal GPC-3 is a highly specific biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC and a promising target molecule for HCC gene therapy.

Advances in targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma in the genomic era

Mortality owing to liver cancer has increased in the past 20 years, and the latest estimates indicate that the global health burden of this disease will continue to grow. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still diagnosed at intermediate or advanced disease stages, where curative approaches are often not feasible. Among the treatment options available, the molecular targeted agent sorafenib is able to significantly increase overall survival in these patients. Thereafter, up to seven large, randomized phase III clinical trials investigating other molecular therapies in the first-line and second-line settings have failed to improve on the results observed with this agent. Potential reasons for this include intertumour heterogeneity, issues with trial design and a lack of predictive biomarkers of response. During the past 5 years, substantial advances in our knowledge of the human genome have provided a comprehensive picture of commonly mutated genes in patients with HCC. This knowledge has not yet influenced clinical decision-making or current clinical practice guidelines. In this Review the authors summarize the molecular concepts of progression, discuss the potential reasons for clinical trial failure and propose new concepts of drug development, which might lead to clinical implementation of emerging targeted agents.